LAN.1 Landscapes
LAN.1.1 Description & Expectations
Landforms, the coast, rivers and wetlands, and vegetation, ranging from natural indigenous
areas to cultivated pasture, combine to form a variety of landscapes within Whangarei
District. These are further defined by the way buildings, roads and other structures are set
amongst them. The varied combinations of natural and built elements provide a complexity
that further characterises landscapes.
A diverse range of coastal landscapes is one of the strongest aspects of Whangarei
District’s identity. The expansive view of the Bream Bay shore with its Whangarei Heads
backdrop that greets those entering the District over the Brynderwyn Hills, is a particularly
striking visual introduction. Similarly, Pukenui Forest and Parihaka combine in creating a
defining frame to Whangarei’s central business area, whilst bush clad hill country, volcanic
cones, extensive farmed flats, the fluent course of rivers and streams, and the influence of
pockets of indigenous vegetation, create a varied and interesting rural landscape that is
often distinctive to Whangarei.
Human activities such as building construction, earthworks and vegetation clearance can
act to reduce the quality of landscapes. Special attention therefore needs to be given to
ensuring subdivision, use and development is sensitive to the particular landscape
characteristics of the District, especially in areas where the collective characteristics and
qualities are considered outstanding.
On the coast, the interaction between land and sea often provides a dynamic and scenic
environment. However, for the same reason the coast is also a popular place to live and
visit. Pressures related to natural landscapes therefore tend to be more explicit in coastal
areas than in rural or urban areas – though inland landscapes also face pressure.
Catering for the needs of recreational users, and mounting demands for residential and
lifestyle block subdivisions, places considerable strain upon areas of the coast that have
elevated landscape values.
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) requires Councils to protect outstanding
natural features and landscapes from inappropriate subdivision, use and development
(section 6(b)). The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 (NZCPS) reinforces this
duty as it applies to the coastal environment (Coastal Area) and requires that district plans
identify where protection is needed (NZCPS Policy 15). The NZCPS also expressly
requires that adverse effects of activities on outstanding natural features and landscapes
within the coastal environment be avoided.
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Natural features are significant land (or water) features resulting from natural processes,
as opposed to being man-made. Examples include mountain ranges, volcanic cones,
coastal dunes, lakes, rivers and native forests. These discrete features are an integral part
of the District’s landscape and on their own can significantly contribute to or even define
the unique character and quality of an area.
Individual outstanding natural features and outstanding natural landscapes within the
Whangarei District were identified and mapped as part of a regional mapping project
undertaken in 2012. Outstanding natural features were identified using an inventory of
important geological sites and landforms in the Northland Region prepared by the
Geological Society of New Zealand. The inventory identifies the best examples of the
region’s unique geology and landforms, including those in the Whangarei District, using the
knowledge and advice of specialist New Zealand geological, geomorphological and soil
science communities.
Outstanding natural landscapes were separately identified and mapped using best
landscape assessment practice criteria which encompass natural science factors,
aesthetic values and experiential values. Some areas are identified as being outstanding
as both a natural feature and as a natural landscape.
The objectives, policies and rules for outstanding natural features and outstanding natural
landscapes as set out below, apply in addition to the rules for the underlying environments
(e.g. Rural Production Environment, Living 1 Environment).
LAN.1.2 Objectives
1.
To identify outstanding natural features and outstanding natural landscapes within
the Whangarei District and protect the characteristics and qualities of these areas
from inappropriate subdivision, use and development.
2.
To provide greatest protection for outstanding natural features and outstanding
natural landscapes within the coastal environment.
3.
To promote the conservation, enhancement and rehabilitation of outstanding natural
landscapes.
4.
To recognise and provide for existing landuse and development, including regionally
significant infrastructure, within outstanding natural features and outstanding natural
landscapes.
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LAN.1.3 Policies
Identification
1.
Identify the location and extent of the District’s outstanding natural features and
outstanding natural landscapes that are sensitive to the effects of subdivision, use
and development, on the District Plan Resource Maps.
2.
Protect outstanding natural features and outstanding natural landscapes with
particular regard to their individual characteristics and qualities as identified in
landscape assessment worksheets (ONLs) and Schedule LAN.7 (ONFs).
Protection
3.
The location, scale and form of earthworks and built development in or on an
outstanding natural feature shall not reduce the overall form, integrity and extent of
the feature and shall take into account the vulnerability of the feature to modification.
4.
Subject to Policies 5 and 6, subdivision, use and development within an outstanding
natural landscapes shall be located and designed to avoid, to the greatest extent,
adverse landscape and/or visual effects by:
(a)
being integrated with identified characteristics and qualities of outstanding
natural landscapes;
(b)
avoiding sensitive landforms such as ridges, spurs, headlands, knolls and
peaks;
5.
(c)
being responsive to natural contours;
(d)
being visually unobtrusive;
(e)
maintaining established areas and patterns of indigenous vegetation cover; and
(f)
avoiding permanent earthworks scarring.
Within the Coastal Area, avoid adverse effects of subdivision, use and development
on the characteristics and qualities of outstanding natural features and outstanding
natural landscapes by restricting activities to those:
(a)
of a scale, location and design that have only minor or transitory adverse
effects; or
(b)
associated with coastal hazard management that avoids the use of hard
protection structures, including seawalls and armouring, along with other visible
artificial elements.
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6.
Outside of the Coastal Area, avoid significant adverse effects and avoid, remedy or
mitigate other adverse effects (including cumulative adverse effects) of subdivision,
use and development on the characteristics and qualities of outstanding natural
features and outstanding natural landscapes.
7.
Assess the scale and significance of adverse effects of subdivision, use and
development on the characteristics and qualities of outstanding natural features and
outstanding natural landscapes by:
(a)
having particular regard to:
(i)
the extent of the resource area affected;
(ii)
the sensitivity of resource to change;
(iii)
the degree of modification, damage, loss or destruction that will result from
the activity;
(iv)
the duration and frequency of adverse effects;
(v)
whether adverse effects are reversible or irreversible; and
(vi)
the potential for spatial or temporal cumulative adverse effects of the
proposed activity on its own or in combination with other authorised
activities, including permitted activities; and
(b)
8.
recognising that a minor or transitory effect may not be an adverse effect.
A site or property-specific landscape assessment, prepared by a suitably qualified
and experienced person, shall be submitted with all consent applications for
subdivision, use or development within an outstanding natural landscape. The
landscape assessment shall:
(a)
reflect the requirements of other policies within this section;
(b)
demonstrate how potential adverse effects on the characteristics and qualities
of the outstanding natural landscape are to be avoided as a matter of priority;
and
(c)
clearly identify where the avoidance of adverse effects is not considered
practicable and how unavoidable adverse effects will be remedied or mitigated.
9.
Avoid, remedy or mitigate obstruction of existing important views of outstanding
natural landscapes from public roads, public reserves, and the coastal marine area,
including views from outside the mapped extent of the outstanding natural landscape.
Buildings and Structures
10.
Buildings and structures, excluding regionally significant infrastructure, in outstanding
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natural landscapes shall be located and designed so that they:
(a)
are inconspicuous when viewed from public land;
(b)
avoid locating upon, or intruding above, ridgelines, spurs, knolls and peaks
where this results in adverse visual effects which cannot be remedied or
mitigated;
(c)
use recessive colours and materials with low light reflectivity;
(d)
minimize artificial light spill; and
(e)
are visually recessive and blend with the surrounding vegetation and natural
topography.
11.
Allow for adverse effects arising from the establishment and operation of new
regionally significant infrastructure and the re-consenting of existing operations in
outstanding natural landscapes where:
(a)
it is demonstrated that there is no practical alternative location;
(b)
the proposal is generally consistent with Policies 5(a) and 6; and
(c)
measures are in place to avoid adverse effects to the greatest extent
practicable, and adverse effects that cannot be avoided are remedied or
mitigated to the extent that they are no more than minor.
Earthworks
12.
Avoid large scale earthworks, including mineral extraction, within outstanding natural
features and outstanding natural landscapes.
13.
Avoid, to the greatest extent practicable, the adverse visual effects of earthworks,
including accessway and building platform creation, by:
(a)
careful analysis of existing site conditions;
(b)
consideration of alternative options and approaches; and
(c)
applying measures to blend areas altered by earthworks with the existing site
conditions.
Relevant site conditions shall include site elevation, slope and orientation drainage
patterns, together with soil and slope stability.
14.
Ensure that adverse visual effects of cut and fill batters in outstanding natural
landscapes are remedied or mitigated by requiring revegetation where that is
consistent with local landscape character and is practicable.
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Indigenous Vegetation
15.
Protect areas of indigenous vegetation which contribute to the slope or soil stability of
outstanding natural features or the character and visual quality of outstanding natural
landscapes.
Rehabilitation and Enhancement
16.
Encourage the remediation of adverse effects of past or existing inappropriate land
use activities on outstanding natural landscapes.
17.
Recognise the positive effects of development proposals that provide for the
enhancement and rehabilitation of previously compromised localised areas within
outstanding natural landscapes.
18.
Promote the active management, enhancement, and voluntary protection of
outstanding natural features and outstanding natural landscapes by utilising
regulatory incentives and non-regulatory methods.
Existing Landuse
19.
Recognise that identified outstanding natural features and landscapes may contain
existing and/or subsequently authorised subdivision, use and development, including
infrastructure, farming and forestry, and provide for the continuation of such activities
as far as is consistent with the protection of outstanding natural features or
outstanding natural landscapes.
20.
Allow adverse effects arising from the maintenance and minor upgrading of existing
authorised landuse and development, wherever it is located, where:
(a)
the adverse effects generated whilst the maintenance or upgrading is being
undertaken are not significant; and
(b)
the adverse effects after the conclusion of the maintenance or upgrading are
the same or similar to those that existed before the activity was undertaken.
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LAN.2 Outstanding Natural Landscapes – Landuse Rules
LAN.2.1 Eligibility Rules
1.
The rules below apply in addition to the rules of the underlying Environment.
Where the standards are different between the underlying Environment and the
ONL area, the most restrictive rule shall apply.
2.
Any other activity not requiring consent as a discretionary or non-complying activity
shall be a permitted activity.
LAN.2.2 Notification Rules
1.
Land use proposals that are non-complying activities must be publicly notified.
2.
All other land use proposals requiring consent shall be subject to the notification tests
of the RMA.
LAN.2.3 Permitted Activities
2.3.1
Buildings and Structures
1.
Construction of non-habitable buildings ancillary to rural production or network utility
activities within an ONL within the Coastal Area is permitted provided that:
(a)
the gross floor area of any new building or buildings does not exceed 25m2;
and
(b)
the exterior facades (excluding joinery) a r e coloured or painted with a
colour with a reflectance value no greater than 35% or with a roof colour with a
reflectance value no greater than 30% as defined within the BS5252 standard
colour palette.
2.
Construction of non-habitable buildings ancillary to rural production or network utility
activities within an ONL outside the Coastal Area is permitted provided that:
(a)
the gross floor area of any new building or buildings does not exceed 100m2;
and
(b)
the highest point of the building does not project above the nearest ridgeline,
knoll or peak when viewed from the nearest public road, public reserve, or the
coastal marine area; and
(c)
the exterior facades (excluding joinery) a r e coloured or painted with a
colour with a reflectance value no greater than 35% or with a roof colour with
a reflectance value no greater than 30% as defined within the BS5252
standard colour palette.
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3.
External alteration or extension to an existing building within an ONL is permitted
provided that:
(a)
the alteration or extension does not exceed 50m2 in area or does not exceed
20% of the gross floor area of the existing building which is being altered or
added to, whichever is the lesser; and
(b)
4.
the alteration or extension does not exceed the height of the existing building.
Installation of underground network utilities provided that comply with Earthworks
Rule and Vegetation Clearance Rule.
2.3.2
Earthworks
1.
Earthworks within an ONL is permitted if:
(a)
the volume is less than 150m3 and the area is less than 150m2 in any 12 month
period within a site; and
(b)
the height or depth is less than 2m over a continuous distance of less than 50m
within a site; and
(c)
the work is directly associated with:
(i)
the repair and maintenance of fences, utility connections, driveways,
parking areas, effluent disposal systems, swimming pools, garden
amenities, gardening, planting of any vegetation, burial of marine
mammals, walking or cycling tracks, or farm and forestry tracks; or
(ii)
a sand dune restoration project; or
(iii)
the provision and maintenance of public accessways.
2.3.3
Indigenous Vegetation Clearance
1.
Indigenous vegetation clearance is permitted if:
(a)
it is of less than or equal to 50m2 of contiguous indigenous vegetation within an
ONL; and
(b)
directly associated with:
(i)
removal or pruning of trees, live or dead, that are a demonstrable danger
to human life or structures; or
(ii)
routine maintenance and repair within 3m of existing buildings and
structures (including network utilities), tracks, lawns, gardens, fences,
drains and other lawfully established activities; or
(iii)
forestry operations and the vegetation or tree comprises the understorey
directly beneath exotic or native plantation forest canopy; or
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(iv)
vegetation removal for customary rights; or
(v)
conservation planting, including planting for ecological restoration
purposes.
LAN.2.4 Discretionary Activities
1.
Construction of a non-habitable building ancillary to rural production or network utility
activities within an ONL outside the Coastal Area with:
(a)
the gross floor area of any new building exceeds 50m2; and
(b)
the exterior facades (excluding joinery) a r e coloured or painted with a
colour with a reflectance value greater than 35% or with a roof colour with a
reflectance value greater than 30% as defined within the BS5252 standard
colour palette.
2.
Construction of a building or structure, including a Residential Unit, within an ONL
outside of the Coastal Area.
3.
External alteration or extension to an existing building within an ONL outside of the
Coastal Area that:
(a)
exceeds 50m2 in area or 20% of the gross floor area of the existing building
which is being altered or added to; or
(b)
4.
exceeds the height of the existing building.
Earthworks within an ONL outside of the Coastal Area where:
(a)
the volume is more than or equal to 150m3 and the area is greater than or
equal to 150m2 in any 12 month period within a site; and
(b)
the height or depth is more than or equal to 2m over a continuous distance of
less than 50m within a site; and
(c)
the work is not directly associated with:
(i)
the repair and maintenance of fences, utility connections, driveways,
parking areas, effluent disposal systems, swimming pools, garden
amenities, gardening, planting of any vegetation, burial of marine
mammals, walking or cycling tracks, or farm and forestry tracks; or
5.
(ii)
a sand dune restoration project; or
(iii)
the provision and maintenance of public accessways.
The clearance of more than 50m2 of contiguous indigenous vegetation within an
outstanding natural landscape outside the Coastal Area.
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6.
The establishment of new forestry within an outstanding natural landscape outside
the Coastal Area.
LAN.2.5 Non-Complying Activities
1.
Construction of a non-habitable building ancillary to rural production or network utility
activities within an ONL within the Coastal Area with:
(a)
the gross floor area of any new building exceeds 25m2; and
(b)
the exterior facades (excluding joinery) a r e coloured or painted with a
colour with a reflectance value greater than 35% or with a roof colour with a
reflectance value greater than 30% as defined within the BS5252 standard
colour palette.
2.
Construction of a building or structure, including a Residential Unit or network utility,
within an outstanding natural landscape within the Coastal Area.
3.
External alteration or extension to an existing building within an ONL within the
Coastal Area that:
(a)
exceeds 50m2 in area or 20% of the gross floor area of the existing building
which is being altered or added to; or
(b)
4.
exceeds the height of the existing building.
Earthworks within an outstanding natural landscape within the Coastal Area where:
(a)
the volume is more than or equal to 150m3 and the area is greater than or
equal to 150m2 in any 12 month period within a site; and
(b)
the height or depth is more than or equal to 2m over a continuous distance of
less than 50m within a site; and
(c)
the work is not directly associated with:
(i)
the repair and maintenance of fences, utility connections, driveways,
parking areas, effluent disposal systems, swimming pools, garden
amenities, gardening, planting of any vegetation, burial of marine
mammals, walking or cycling tracks, or farm and forestry tracks; or
5.
(ii)
a sand dune restoration project; or
(iii)
the provision and maintenance of public accessways.
The clearance of more than 50m2 of contiguous indigenous vegetation within an
outstanding natural landscape within the Coastal Area.
6.
The establishment of new forestry within an outstanding natural landscape within the
Coastal Area.
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LAN.2.6 Assessment Criteria
1.
Relevant criteria set out in LAN.6 Assessment Criteria shall apply to the
consideration of all resource consent applications for land use and development
activities within outstanding natural landscapes.
LAN.3 Outstanding Natural Landscape Subdivision
LAN.3.1 Eligibility Rule
1.
The rules below apply in addition to the rules of the underlying Environment.
Where the standards are different between the underlying Environment and the
ONL area, the most restrictive rule shall apply.
LAN.3.2 Notification Rules
1.
Subdivision proposals that are non-complying activities must be publicly notified.
2.
All other subdivision proposals requiring consent shall be subject to the notification
tests of the RMA.
LAN.3.3 Discretionary Activities
1.
Subdivision within an outstanding natural landscape outside of the Coastal Area is a
discretionary activity.
LAN.3.4 Non-complying Activities
1.
Subdivision within an outstanding natural landscape within the Coastal Area is a noncomplying activity.
LAN.3.5 Assessment Criteria
1.
Relevant criteria set out in LAN.6 Assessment Criteria shall apply to the
consideration of all resource consent applications for subdivision activity within
outstanding natural landscapes.
LAN.4 Outstanding Natural Features – Landuse
LAN.4.1 Eligibility Rules
1.
The rules below apply in addition to the rules of the underlying Environment.
Where the standards are different between the underlying Environment and the
ONF, the most restrictive rule shall apply.
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LAN.4.2 Notification Rules
1.
Land use proposals that are non-complying activities must be publicly notified.
2.
All other land use proposals requiring consent shall be subject to the notification tests
of the RMA.
LAN.4.3
1.
Status of Activities in Outstanding Natural Features
The rules applying to activities in outstanding natural features outside the Coastal
Area are as specified in Table 1.
2.
The rules applying to activities in outstanding natural features within the Coastal
Area are as specified in Table 2.
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LAN.4 Table 1.
Activity Table for Outstanding Natural Features outside the Coastal Area.
The following table specifies that activity status of activities in Outstanding Natural Features outside the Coastal Area.
Activity
Landuse and Development
New buildings and structures incl.
network utilities
Minor upgrading of network
utilities
Fencing
Stock grazing
Forestry harvesting and
replanting
New forestry planting
Earthworks
General earthworks not expressly
either permitted or requiring
resource consent in this table.
3
up to 500m
3
greater than 500m
Maintenance and repair of
roading, tracks, driveways and
carparking areas.
Land preparation
2
up to 1000m
2
greater than 1000m
New farm and forestry roading
and tracking
Farm and forestry mineral
extraction (quarrying)
Other mineral extraction
Indigenous Vegetation
Clearance
2
up to 500m
2
greater than 500m
P = permitted
D = discretionary
Pr = prohibited
Large landforms
Volcanic cones
Smaller, more
fragile landforms
D
Exposures of
geological material
E
Caves
B
Dynamic landforms and
features
C
A
RD
D
NC
NC
NC
D
P
P
D
D
D
D
P
P
P
P
P
P
D
D
NC
D
NA
NA
D
NA
NA
D
NA
NA
P
D
NC
NA
NA
NA
P
D
P
RD
D
P
D
NC
D
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NA
P
RD
P
D
D
D
NC
NC
NC
NA
NA
NC
NA
NA
NC
NA
NA
NA
D
D
NC
Pr
Pr
Pr
NC
NC
Pr
Pr
Pr
Pr
P
D
RD
D
D
NC
NC
NC
NC
NA
NC
NA
F
RD = restricted discretionary
NC = non-complying
NA = not applicable
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LAN.4 Table 2.
Activity Table for Outstanding Natural Features within the Coastal Area.
The following table specifies that activity status of activities in Outstanding Natural Features that are within the Coastal Area.
Activity
Landuse and Development
New buildings and structures incl.
network utilities
Minor upgrading of network
utilities
Fencing
Stock grazing
Forestry harvesting and
replanting
New forestry planting
Earthworks
General earthworks not expressly
either permitted or requiring
resource consent in this table.
3
up to 250m
3
greater than 250m
Maintenance and repair of
roading, tracks, driveways and
carparking areas.
Land preparation
2
up to 1000m
2
greater than 1000m
New farm and forestry roading
and tracking
Farm and forestry mineral
extraction (quarrying)
Other mineral extraction
Indigenous Vegetation
Clearance
2
up to 250m
2
greater than 250m
P = permitted
NC = non-complying
NA = not applicable
Large landforms
Volcanic cones
Smaller, more
fragile landforms
D
Exposures of
geological material
E
Caves
B
Dynamic landforms and
features
C
A
NC
NA
NC
NC
NC
NC
D
NA
D
D
D
D
D
D
NA
NA
NA
NA
D
D
NC
D
NA
NA
D
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NC
NA
NA
NA
D
NC
P
NA
NA
NA
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NC
NC
NC
NA
NA
NC
NA
NA
NC
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NC
Pr
Pr
Pr
Pr
NA
Pr
Pr
Pr
Pr
D
NC
NA
NA
NC
NC
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
F
D = discretionary
Pr = prohibited
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LAN.4.4 Restricted Discretionary Activities: Matters of Discretion
1.
Discretion will be restricted to the matters below for the activities listed as restricted
discretionary in Table 1:
(a)
the nature, form and extent of proposed works.
(b)
the degree of existing geological modification.
(c)
the need or purpose of the proposed building or structure.
(d)
alternative methods and locations for the proposed activity.
(e)
the potential for erosion or other adverse effect on the outstanding natural
feature.
LAN.4.5 Assessment Criteria
1.
Relevant criteria set out in LAN.6 Assessment Criteria shall apply to the
consideration of all resource consent applications for land use and development
activities within Outstanding Natural Features.
LAN.5 Outstanding Natural Features Subdivision
LAN.5.1 Eligibility Rules
1.
The rules below apply in addition to the rules of the underlying Environment.
Where the standards are different between the underlying Environment and the
ONF, the most restrictive rule shall apply.
LAN.5.2 Notification Rules
1.
Subdivision proposals that are non-complying activities must be publicly notified.
2.
All other subdivision proposals requiring consent shall be subject to the notification
tests of the RMA.
LAN.5.3 Discretionary Activities
1.
Subdivision within an outstanding natural feature outside of the Coastal Area is a
discretionary activity.
LAN.5.4 Non-complying Activities
1.
Subdivision within an outstanding natural feature within the Coastal Area is a noncomplying activity.
LAN.5.5 Assessment Criteria
1.
Relevant criteria set out in LAN.6 Assessment Criteria shall apply to the
consideration of all resource consent applications for subdivision activity within
outstanding natural features.
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LAN.6 Landscape Assessment Criteria
1.
2.
The following criteria shall apply to the consideration of all resource consent
applications for subdivision, land use, and development activities within identified
outstanding natural features or outstanding natural landscapes.
(a)
Whether the proposal is consistent with and not contrary to the objectives and
policies contained in the LAN Landscapes.
(b)
The extent to which the proposal is consistent with the Council adopted
Landscape Guidelines 2009 or any subsequent replacement version.
(c)
The elements which make up the distinctive character and qualities of the
feature or landscape as recorded in Schedule LAN.7 (ONFs) or XXX
worksheets (ONLs).
(d)
The specific characteristics of the application site, including its location, size,
shape and topography.
(e)
The siting of the activity in relation to ridgelines or other important natural
landscape elements.
(f)
The design of any building, structure, utility or any development.
(g)
The location and design of vehicle access, manoeuvring and parking spaces.
(h)
The extent of visible change to the ONL which may result from an activity.
(i)
The potential for more than minor adverse effects on the ONL.
(j)
The extent to which adverse visual effects may be mitigated through locally
appropriate vegetative screening or other means.
(k)
The extent to which an application proposes revegetation and/or enhancement
of the outstanding natural landscape, and the measures to secure the long term
sustainability of the revegetation and/or enhancement.
(l)
Provisions for the permanent legal protection of the feature or landscape.
(m)
The environmental effect of the increase in residential intensity and/or the extra
lots in relation to the benefits of achieving permanent legal protection of a
feature or landscape.
Where excavation and / or filling is proposed within an ONF or ONL, the following
specific criteria will also be considered:
(a)
The location, scale and alignment of excavation and/or filling in relation to any
existing indigenous vegetation, site features, and underlying landform including
ridgelines; and
(b)
The nature of any avoidance, remediation or mitigation measures proposed,
including consideration of alternatives, the profile of cut and fill batters, the
likely long term stability of the works proposed, and provisions for revegetation.
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LAN.7 SCHEDULE: OUTSTANDING NATURAL FEATURES
LAN.7.1 Information Source
The source of information for identifying and mapping outstanding natural features within the
Whangarei District is the “Inventory (and maps) of Important Geological Sites and Landforms
in the Northland Region”, Geological Society of New Zealand unpublished report 95/2, edited
by J Kenny and B Hayward (1995). This inventory identifies the best examples of
Northland’s unique geology and landforms compiled using the combined knowledge and
advice of a large sector of the specialist geological, geomorphological, speleological and soil
science communities of New Zealand.
LAN.7.2 Significance and Vulnerability
The inventory provides a ranking of significance and vulnerability for each identified site. The
significance ranking provides three levels:
A International
B National
C Regional
A vulnerability classification (1 - 4) is also assigned to each feature, depending on its
perceived susceptibility to human activities:
1 highly vulnerable to complete destruction or major modification by humans;
2 moderately vulnerable to modification by humans;
3 unlikely to be damaged by humans; and
4 could be improved by human activity.
The intent is to manage outstanding natural features on the basis of their significance and
values and the risk of those values being compromised.
In order to assist management and decision-making, outstanding natural features have also
been categorised by type to provide an indication of the values that make them significant
and potential risks to these values. The categories are described below.
LAN.7.3 Categories of ONF
A. Large landforms
These are landforms that are large and robust. The values of such features typically relate to
the underlying geology which tells of the history of their formation and the resulting
outstanding large-scale landforms, rather than or in addition to their visual amenity or
landscape type factors. They can typically withstand moderate scale earthworks or
constructions without significant impact. However, major multi-story developments, intense
urban and industrial subdivisions or large scale earthworks can significantly detract from the
integrity of these landforms and their geological features.
17
22 March 2016
B. Volcanic cones
These features derive their values from their distinctive conical form and prominence in the
wider landscape setting. These scoria cones and tuff cones are sufficiently robust to
withstand small-scale, localised earthworks or constructions without significant impact.
However structures in prominent positions, significant permanent earthworks such as farm
roads across steep slopes, and rectangular exotic forest plantings can detract from or
compromise these natural features, particularly where they protrude significantly into the
skyline, alter the cone form or disguise the underlying landform.
C. Dynamic landforms and features
The values of these landforms or features relate to the ongoing natural physical processes
that have constructed them and in many instances are necessary to maintain the landforms.
Because of this, these dynamic landforms or features are not only susceptible to direct
damage, but to more distant actions that may impact the continuation of the natural
processes (e.g. sand supply; dune stabilisation; groundwater levels; soil erosion in cave
catchments). Permanent earthworks, building construction, vegetation plantings, extraction
of nearby groundwater or other actions could adversely affect the functioning and
appearance of these features.
D. Smaller more fragile landforms
The values of these often spectacular, localised landforms relate to their visual and aesthetic
appeal and/or scientific interest. These are small landforms or other features that could be
damaged or destroyed by relatively small scale earthworks or construction. Most
earthworks, buildings, constructions or plantings would adversely impact on the visual and
aesthetic appeal or scientific value of these fragile features.
E. Exposures of geological material
These natural exposures of rock have values that relate to the geological features that can
be seen within the rocks and the information they contain about the history of their formation,
the geological origins of the region in general or the fossil history of the biota of New
Zealand. Most of these exposures are sufficiently large and robust that small extents of
earthworks or rock sampling will have no significant impact. Large-scale earthworks,
construction of buildings, vegetation plantings or constructions of walls or erosion barriers
could adversely impact the visual, educational or scientific values of these exposures.
F. Caves
Caves, such as lava and sea caves and their entrances, may, depending upon their depth
underground, be susceptible to damage from significant earthworks constructions above
them, or from changes in their catchments that may fill them with eroded soil.
18
22 March 2016
LAN.7.4 Identified ONFs by Category
A
Best exposed section
through the cone facies
and underlying subvolcanic
intrusions in the Taurikura
volcanic centre around
Whangarei Heads.
Includes the rocky
pinnacles of Bream Head
ridge.
Virtually continuous exposure.
Cone facies rubbly breccia and
andesite flows in the east and
subvolcanic andesite, dacite
and rhyolite intrusions into the
underlying Northland
Allochthon in the west, just
beneath the volcanic outcrop
which forms the rocky peaks of
Bream Head.
Coastal section and
foreshore rocks, 5
km length of
coastline from
Busby Point east to
Bream Head and
also the slopes up
to the Bream Head
ridge and rocky
pinnacles.
C
3
Whatitiri shield
volcano
A
Only example of a large
(4.4 cubic km), almost
concentric shield volcano
with gentle slopes in
Northland. Best example in
New Zealand of a small
shield volcano.
A large concentric shield
volcano with very gentle
slopes and a diameter of 5-6
km; not breached. Reaches a
maximum height of 351 m
(ASL) and stands 154 m
above the surrounding
landscape. Completely
covered by farming and
forested areas. Several
houses and farm roads, but no
quarries. The Titoki lava flows
originate from this centre.
They follow a valley to the N
and then to the SW.
3.5 km WNW of
Maungatapere
Mountain,
approximately 5 km
WSW of
Maungatapere
township.
B
2
Significance
Brief description
Location
19
22 March 2016
Map No.
Bream Head
eroded
stratovolcano
Feature name
Category
Vulnerability
Large Landforms
Importance
A
Location
B
A well preserved young
volcanic centre with two
scoria cones.
There are two cones
approximately 650 m apart.
The older farm covered cone
lies to the W, Q06/319143, of
the main cone Maruata,
Q06/327147. Maruata shows
two eruption points with the
youngest, largest crater being
breached to the S. The centre
is approximately 2-3 km in
diameter and its height is 200
m ASL, rising 80 m above the
surrounding area. Maruata
cone has a distinct volcanic
form and is bush covered. On
the north side a small forestry
settlement has been
established.
This centre lies
between Maruata
Road and
Puketotara Road,
approximately 5 km
NE of Kamo.
C
2
Hikurangi
dacite dome
B
Large, prominent volcanic
dome that dominates the
landscape adjacent to
highway 1 north of
Whangarei.
200 m high, slightly eroded
volcanic dacite dome, recently
dated as < 2 million years old.
1.5 km west of
Hikurangi township.
C
2
Hurupaki
scoria cone
B
One of three scientifically
interesting scoria cones. A
quarry exposes an eruption
sequence showing that
magma variation occurred
during eruption. The best
such exposure in a young
Whangarei centre.
A steep sided, partly bush
covered cone, 1-2 km in
diameter, breached to the SE,
that stands 350 m ASL and is
extensively quarried on the W
side. This is the E most cone
of a group of three centres: (E
to W) Hurupaki, Rawhitiroa
and Ngararatunua.
This centre lies
between Three Mile
Bush Road and Dip
Road,
approximately 1.5
km W of Kamo
township.
C
1
Maungakaram
ea scoria cone
B
A well preserved scoria
cone with a distinct from
that has not been quarried.
The southernmost
Quaternary Volcanic centre
in Northland.
A steep sided, forested scoria
cone standing approximately
150 m above the surrounding
plateau. Mostly covered with
native bush, however some
pines have been planted. A
large flow to the SE (4-5 km)
ends in an 8 m rock face,
approximately 200m before
Omana Road. A disused
quarry site in the flow is now
used as a rubbish tip. There is
a small flow to NW of cone.
Lies between
O'Carrol Road and
Crawford Road,
approximately 1 km
W of
Maungakaramea
township.
C
1
Glenbervie
(Maruata)
volcanic cones
20
22 March 2016
Map No.
Brief description
Feature name
Category
Significance
Vulnerability
Volcanic Cones
Importance
B
Location
Importance
Vulnerability
B
An almost perfect, steep
sided volcanic cone, not
farmed or quarried. Largest
and best preserved in
Whangarei field.
A steep sided cone,
approximately 1-1.5 km
diameter, with scrub and
native bush cover and a farm
on the flank. Small crater on
top. Around 3.5 km ESE of the
Whatitiri centre, the peak is
359 m (ASL) but the cone
stands 185 m above the
surrounding plateau.
E of the intersection
of Snooks Road
and State Highway
14, approximately 3
km SSW of
Maungatapere
township.
B
2
Maunu
volcanic cone
B
A relatively well preserved
cone near Whangarei,
which has been modified a
little by farming, minor
quarrying and roading.
A 1-2 km diameter cone, which
stands 395 m ASL and is
breached to the West. The
cone is very steep sided,
particularly in the S. A TVNZ
relay is located on the summit.
Access to the summit is via
Millington Road. There is a
small quarry on the toe of the
breached material which has
been worked for private and
for farm use. The W side is
farmed but E and S slopes are
covered with bush and pines.
The cone rises 150 m above
the surrounding plateau, while
flows extend approximately 6
km E from the centre, almost
to Whangarei City.
Just SW of Pukenui
State Forest and
NE of the
intersection of Kara
Road and State
Highway 14,
approximately 2.5
km NE of
Maungatapere
township.
C
1
Ngararatunua
volcanic cone
B
Distinct scoria cone
breached to south.
The centre is a horseshoeshaped scoria cone, breached
to the S with small flows to the
S and NE. It is a composite
cone; an early cone to the N
and a second higher cone to
the S, which buried most of the
first one before being reached.
It is farmed on the W side and
the E side is bush covered.
The height of the cone is 325
m ASL and it rises 125 m
above the lava field. The
composite cone is
approximately 1.2km in
diameter. It is the western
most cone of a group of three
centres: (E to W) Hurupaki,
Rawhitiroa and Ngararatunua.
This centre lies
between Three Mile
Bush Road, Church
Road and Rotomate
Road,
approximately 3.5
km W of Kamo.
C
1
Maungatapere
volcanic cone
21
22 March 2016
Map No.
Brief description
Category
Significance
Feature name
Vulnerability
Visually prominent, bushclad peak of scoria cone is
valuable part of Kamo's
landscape and one of the
volcanoes of the
Whangarei basalt field.
Overgrown remains of
railway ballast quarry and
its associated earthworks
is best example of this kind
of industrial site in a scoria
cone in New Zealand.
200 m high peak of remaining
scoria cone rises 80 m above
Kamo. Disused quarry had
access from railway line in
northeast and is overgrown
with scrub and forest. Remains
of a steam boiler still within the
workings.
1 km west of Kamo
centre with access
into the reserve off
Dip Rd.
C
2
Parahaki
dacite dome,
Whangarei
B
High eroded dome which
dominates the eastern side
of Whangarei city.
Early Miocene intrusive dome
of dacite that has had the
softer surrounding rocks
eroded away leaving it’s as a
high and prominent domeshaped hill above the east side
of Whangarei City.
East side of
Whangarei city.
C
3
Parakiore
rhyolite dome,
Whangarei
B
Prominent volcanic
landform, one of two young
volcanic domes in
Whangarei area.
200 m high, slightly eroded
dacite dome with two peaks,
recently dated as less than 2
million years old.
1 km W of SH1, 4
km NW of Kamo.
C
3
Pukepoto
basalt cone
B
A young centre with a
breached multi-vented
cone, which shows good
volcanic landform.
A steep sided bush and farm
covered cone. Remnants of
the first eruption form a
boulder covered hill on the W
flank of the younger Pukepoto
cone. Pukepoto cone, covers
the vent of the original hill, is
steep sided and breached by
rafting of lava to the S. The
Waitangi stream flanking the
lava field to the S has exposed
basalt at locality QO6/368145.
The cone stands 60m above
the surrounding lava field Two
periods of cone building
resulted in three separate
flows.
Adjacent to and N
of Ngunguru road,
7.5 km ENE of
Kamo township.
C
1
Significance
Brief description
Location
22
22 March 2016
Map No.
Importance
B
Category
Onoke scoria
cone, Kamo
Feature name
Location
Vulnerability
One of three scientifically
interesting scoria cones.
A low multi-vented cone with
crater lake forms a small
grass-covered knoll less than
150 m high, on which a few
houses stand, approximately
400 m E of Hurupaki scoria
cone.
This centre lies
between Three Mile
Bush Road, Dip
Road and Rotomate
Road,
approximately 3 km
W of Kamo
township.
C
1
An excellent example of an
unmodified sand barrier
beach and dune field
developed between a tidal
estuary and a broad open
bay. Significant example of
a rapidly disappearing
coastal feature.
Partially vegetated
undeveloped barrier spit
approximately 2.5km long and
300-600m wide. Dunes and
spit relatively undisturbed.
Ngunguru sand spit,
Ngunguru, 28km
North east of
Whangarei. ,
C
2
Mokau Stream
soda spring
and travertine,
Helena Bay
C
One of the two best
examples of travertine
deposits from active soda
springs in northern New
Zealand.
Eastern spring has built up a
10 m wide and 2 m high
travertine apron flowing down
into raupo swamp (photo p. 8
in ref).
4.2 km SSW of
Oakura beside
forestry road at end
of Pukapuka Rd.
Springs just above
raupo swamp, 30 m
east of Orchard Rd.
C
1
Te Wairoa
soda spring
and travertine,
Matapouri Bay
C
One of the two best
examples of travertine
deposited by an active
soda spring in northern
New Zealand.
6 m diameter, 4 m high
travertine deposit extends from
small spring down towards
swamp. Mound is hard as
concrete and orange stained
on top.
3 km SW of junction
of Matapouri and
Clements Rd. 600
m up a true left
tributary of Te
Wairoa Stream from
end of road where it
crosses main
stream. On true left
bank of tributary
adjacent to small
area of toitoi
swamp.
C
1
Significance
Brief description
Location
23
22 March 2016
Map No.
C
Category
Vulnerability
Dynamic Landforms and Features
Ngunguru
Sandspit
Feature name
Map No.
Brief description
Importance
C
B
Significance
Importance
Rawhitiroa
scoria cone
Category
Feature name
D
&
F
One of the best preserved
and most easily accessible
areas of karst landforms
and small caves in
Northland.
About 4 hectares of
vegetated karst with
entrances to several caves
on one partly underground
stream, containing
speleothems. Hundreds of
limestone boulders with
fluting and some castellated.
Several 5 m limestone
pinnacles in middle of
bushed reserve. Several sink
holes.
300 m east of Abbey
Caves Road, half way
between Whareora
Road and Old Parua
Bay Road; 2 km east
of Parahaki and 3 km
east of Whangarei.
C
2
Hen Island
pinnacles
D
Spectacular rock pinnacles
on the main ridge of Hen
Island seen for many km in
all directions.
Pinnacles of volcanic breccia
eroded from a 20 million year
old stratovolcano. Includes
one large rock balancing on a
narrow pedestal.
West end of crest of
Hen Island, including
Balancing Rock.
C
3
*Hewlett Point
karst,
Whangarei
Harbour
D
Small area of well-exposed
coastal karst developed in
autochthonous Whangarei
limestone.
c. 100 x 50 m block of
Whangarei Limestone with
fluting, flagginess and small
solution cracks.
Northwest tip of
Hewlett Point.
C
2
Houto spilite
and conical hill
D
&
E
Oldest known occurrence
of allochthonous ophiolites
(Tangihuas) in Northland.
Forms iconic eroded
conical hill.
Spilitic lava and pillows with
intercalated red-brown
marble and mudstone with
earliest Cretaceous fossils (in
road cut).
Forming Houto Hill
and surrounding area,
rock exposures are in
road cuttings.
C
2
*Kaiikanui
basalt protokarst, Helena
Bay
D
One of the two best and
most easily seen examples
in the Helena Bay area of
fluted surfaces (protokarst) formed on basalt.
Cap of Horeke Basalt on
greywacke. Numerous large
scattered basalt boulders,
some developing
internationally-rare solutionweathered surfaces.
Tops of hills, both
sides of Kaiikanui
Road, southern road
to Helena Bay.
B
2
Significance
Brief description
Location
24
22 March 2016
Map No.
Abbey Caves
and karst,
Whangarei
Feature name
Category
Vulnerability
Smaller More Fragile Landforms
Importance
D
*Kamo
limestone
pinnacles
D
Most spectacular and best
preserved limestone karst
pinnacles in Northland.
Some of deepest and
sharpest fluting on a
limestone in NZ.
Three or four vertical sided,
10 m high, 3-5 m across
pinnacles of Whangarei
Limestone, on small low knoll
in bush. Several fallen over.
Many surrounding smaller
limestone blocks - many with
well-developed fluting, often
deep and sharp. Several
fallen over. Many
surrounding smaller
limestone blocks - many with
well-developed fluting, often
deep and sharp. The top of
one fallen pinnacle is the
best fluting in Northland, if
not the country.
Approx. 1 km east of
SH 1 on Kamo
Springs flat,
Whangarei. 100 m
southeast of old
house, now bed and
breakfast called The
Rocks. In small area
close to Whangarei
city, protected in
private reserve with
bush remnants and
QE2 covenant.
B
1
Manaia
stratovolcano
breccia
pinnacles
D
Most prominent exposures
of Miocene volcanic
breccia and the better of
two areas of ridge top tors
in the Whangarei Heads
area.
Weakly stratified andesite
breccia forming bluffs and
spectacular pinnacles along
Manaia ridge - remnants of
cone facies of a
stratovolcano.
Forming Mt Manaia
and ridge to north,
Whangarei Heads.
B
3
Matarau Rd
basalt protokarst, Kamo
D
One of most easily seen
examples of basalt protokarst near Whangarei.
Large fluted boulders near
road with solution basins
on top.
Boulders of basalt (derived
from Whangarei Volcanic
Field) with solution fluting
and basins on their surface.
Hillside covered with basalt
boulders some fluted. Best
boulders within 10 m of road.
On east side of
Matarau Rd, 0.6-0.8
km south of junction
with Rushbrook Rd, 8
km NW of Kamo.
C
1
Ngahere Drive
karst,
Whangarei
D
Small but spectacular,
easily accessible outcrops
of lapiez-weathered
limestone close to
Whangarei.
Fluted and castellated
crystalline Whangarei
Limestone outcrops in two
small reserves and in steep
bushed reserve along and on
south side of Ngahere Drive
and end of Hospital Road.
High bluffs in southern
reserve and Top Rocks are
used for rock climbing.
Half way along
Ngahere Drive where
the road splits to go
either side of it. Also
200 m further east, on
northern side of road,
is a rock climbing
reserve (Top Rocks
and Main Crag).
Steep hillside reserve
with limestone bluffs
on Sth side of ends of
Ngahere Drive and
Hospital Rd.
C
1
Old Woman
Rock, Hen
Island
D
Unusual intertidal rock
stack eroded into shape of
woman, name-bearer for
adjacent Wahine Bay.
Rock stack sits on intertidal
platform and is eroded out of
volcanic breccia.
Western entrance of
Wahine Bay, Hen
Island.
C
2
25
22 March 2016
*Otaika Valley
basalt protokarst,
Whangarei
D
Best example of fluted
basalt proto-karst
developed on relatively
young volcanic rocks.
Fluted basalt boulders
developed beneath native
forest remnant on the edge of
a lava flow from
Maungatapere. Most karstic
basalt in New Zealand has
developed on Pliocene
plateau-forming lava flows,
but here is an example on
the front of a young
Pleistocene lava flow from
Maungatapere.
On edge of native
bush and in garden
on southern side of
Otaika Valley Road,
c. 2.5 km east of SH
14.
B
2
Paradise
Quarry karst,
Portland,
Whangarei
D
A small area of limestone
(Paradise Stone) karst in
its naturally exposed and
weathered form, protected
by a QE2 covenant.
Adjacent to a small building
stone quarry which produces
“Paradise Stone” - a popular
limestone, used for
decorative flagstones. An
unusual rock type in
Northland and source of a
fossil lanternfish.
Paradise Quarry, Old
Stone Road, near
Portland.
C
2
Paranui Falls,
Whangarei
D
One of the five most scenic
waterfalls over basalt lava
flows in Northland.
Paranui Stream flows over
edge of eroding basalt lava
flow with a vertical drop an
incised gorge-like basin.
On Paranui Stream,
adjacent to Whareora
Rd beside junction
with Clapham Rd, 4
km north of centre of
Whangarei.
C
3
Titoki Natural
Bridge
D
Best natural bridge formed
in lava in New Zealand.
Stream flows through tunnel
in basalt lava flow with
natural bridge above. Tunnel
is about 15m wide, 30m long
and 10m high. Valley in
regenerating bush
On Waitomotomo
Stream, 500m west of
Pipiwai - Titoki Road /
McCardle Road, 2km
North of Titoki.
B
2
Urquharts Bay
concretions,
Whangarei
Heads
D
Most easily accessible
large spherical concretions
in the Whangarei area,
Northland.
A number of spherical
concretions up to 1.5 m
diameter on the beach and
eroding out of the
Cretaceous parent rocks at
the south end of Urquharts
Bay.
On beach and in low
eroding banks at
south west end of
Urquharts Bay,
Whangarei Heads.
2C
*Waipu Caves
and karst
D
&
F
Best and largest area of
limestone karst
geomorphology in
Northland, south of
Whangarei. Includes
largest cave passage in
Northland. Fossil bone
deposits in Paryphanta
Passage.
Fluted boulders and
sinkholes in Oligocene
limestone at Waipu Caves
reserve, Waipu Caves
Walkway and along roadside.
Best examples are north of
Waipu Caves Road. About 3
km horizontal stream cave.
Includes both Waipu Cave
and Elver Canyon Cave.
North of Waipu Caves
Road, Waipu.
C
2
26
22 March 2016
Waipu Cove
OligoceneMiocene
sequence and
coastal karst
D
&
F
Only significant coastal
karst and karstic sea cave
in Northland. Exposes
clear stratigraphic
sedimentary relationship
between Waitemata flysch,
Te Kuiti Group limestone
and basement.
Oligocene shallow water,
flaggy, bioclastic, sandy
limestone unconformably sits
on Waipapa greywacke and
passes abruptly and
conformably up into deep
water early Miocene
Waitemata flysch. Outcrops
and large fallen boulders
developing solution runnels.
One solution cave with
speleothems around point
from western end of Langs
Beach (Q08 / 484 723).
Coastal section from
500 m SE of Waipu
Cove to point at
western end of Langs
Beach.
C
2
Wairua Falls
D
One of the five largest
waterfalls over basalt lava
flows in Northland.
River falls over the edge of a
lava flow from Whatatiri
shield volcano and erodes
into softer country rock
alongside. A dam upstream
diverts some of the water for
hydro purposes.
At end of Wairua
Falls Road, 2 km from
turnoff from HWY 14.
C
2
Waro karst,
Hikurangi
D
Excellent example of karst
pinnacles close to highway.
In Oligocene limestone.
North side of
Hikurangi.
C
2
Whangarei Falls
D
One of the five best
examples of a waterfall
cascading over the edge of
an eroding basalt lava flow
in northern New Zealand.
A scenic 26 m high waterfall
where the Hatea River
plunges over the eroding
edge of a columnar-jointed
basalt flow originating from
Vinegar Hill. 30 m total
thickness, with the base of
the basalt corresponding with
the base of the falls. Shows
change from platy jointing
near top of flow to columnar
jointing near base.
50 m downstream
from Tutukaka Road
bridge over the Hatea
River, approximately
1 km E of Tikipunga,
within the outer
suburbs of Whangarei
city.
C
3
E
Location
Good example of a
porphyry copper deposit.
Pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite
hydrothermal mineralisation
in pyroxene diorite and
dacite breccia.
West end of
Coppermine Island,
Chickens Group.
B
2
27
22 March 2016
Map No.
Brief description
Vulnerability
Coppermine
Island copper
mineralisation
Significance
Importance
Feature name
Exposures of geological material
Category
E
Vulnerability
Only diorite plutons in
Whangarei Heads region.
A dark coloured, coarse
grained, pyroxene diorite,
roughly elliptical in shape,
with weak foliations parallel
to the margins.
Coastal cliffs on the
western end of
Coppermine Island.
C
2
Kamo
Brickworks
Eocene coal
measures
E
Best remaining permanent
exposure of Kamo Coal
Measures. Easily viewed.
Jarositic carbonaceous
mudstone, sandstone,
conglomerate and coal
sequence typical of the
lithologies of the late Eocene
Kamo Coal Measures.
In cutting alongside
former Kamo
Brickworks building,
now a garden centre.
On south side of main
railway line just east
of where it ran
underneath the old
North Rd.
C
1
Kauri Mountain
hornfels and
metallic
mineralisation
E
Well-exposed example of
hornfels (rocks
metamorphosed by heat of
intruding magma). Best
example in Northland of
veins of metallic
mineralisation including
galena, sphalerite and
pyrite.
Hornfels up to 2 m wide at
contact with quartz-diorite
are exposed in cliffs and
shore platform.
In coastal cliff and
foreshore at Flax Bay,
east coast of Kauri
Mt.
B
3
Mangawhati
Point limestone
karst and
greensand,
Whangarei
Harbour
E
Well exposed
autochthonous middle
Tertiary sequence beneath
Northland Allochthon.
Includes excellent example
of coastal karst, intensively
burrowed (Scolicia)
calcareous greensand, the
best crab fossil locality in
Northland.
Conglomerate, glauconitic
calcareous sandstone and
bioclastic limestone overlain
by basal allochthon. Includes
Eocene sandstone beds with
moderately rich fossil
bivalves and crabs. Coastal
karst extends around
Mangawhati Pt. Allochthon
lithologies include rare black
chert.
Around Mangawhati
Point extending 500
m south on the east
side along the
foreshore.
C
2
McLeod Bay
Miocene
unconformity,
Whangarei
Heads
E
Easily accessible and
excellent exposure of deep
water early Miocene thinbedded sandstone and
siltstone unconformably
overlying Oligocene
limestone and itself
overlain by Northland
Allochthon.
Sequence is near vertical
and may be a block within
Northland Allochthon.
Provides a window into the
history of the rocks
deposited in this region prior
to the incoming of the
Northland Allochthon about
23 million years ago.
In foreshore 100-200
m northeast of wharf
at west end of
McLeod Bay.
C
2
Ngunguru River
mouth pillow
basalt and
peperite
E
The most accessible
example of pillow basalt
and peperite within
basement greywacke
(Waipapa Group) in
Coastal outcrops of PermianTriassic Waipapa terrane
pillow basalt with
interbedded peperites (lava
that has been brecciated by
Western end of
Whangaumu
(Wellingtons) Bay, 7
km by road east of
Ngunguru township,
C
3
Significance
Brief description
Location
28
22 March 2016
Map No.
Importance
E
Category
Coppermine
Island diorite
intrusion
Feature name
Vulnerability
One of very few exposures
where the basal contact of
Northland Allochthon can
be seen and provides clues
into how and when it was
emplaced.
Waipapa greywacke
unconformably overlain by
Waitemata Group sandstone
and pebble breccia, in turn
overlain by Northland
Allochthon melange.
In intertidal rocks and
low cliffs at the north
end of Ocean Beach,
at end of Kauri Mt Rd.
C
2
One Tree Point
interglacial
beach and dune
deposits
E
Well exposed Late
Pleistocene regressive
coastal sand sequence.
Only remaining exposures
in the area that are not
obscured by coastal
foreshore protection works,
and should be left in their
unmodified state.
Coastal cliff and foreshore
exposures show a
shallowing upwards
regressive sequence from
shallow marine sand through
beach sand to coastal
foredune, with overlying
swamp deposits in interdune
hollows.
Southern shore of
Whangarei Harbour
west of Marsden
Point, from One Tree
Point southwestwards
for 1 km.
B
1
Onemama Point
allochthonous
sediments,
Whangarei
Harbour
E
Excellent exposures
documenting earliest
allochthon emplacement in
this region.
Allochthonous olistostromes
within Waitakian shallow
water bioclastic sandstone
facies.
From tip of Onemama
Point to 1.5 km to
NW.
B
3
Parua Bay basal
allochthon
mélange
E
One of the classic localities
in Northland showing the
base of the allochthon
sitting on early Miocene
rocks and greywacke
Mélange overlying
decollement cut into c.5m of
Miocene Waitemata Group
bioclastic limestone and
flysch, upon greywacke
basement.
At eastern end of
Parua Bay extending
along foreshore North
of Nook Road
B
3
Parua Bay red
chert,
Whangarei
Harbour
E
Excellent and most easily
accessible exposure of red
chert within greywacke
basement sequence in
Northland.
Intertidal outcrop over 80 x
50 m of foreshore adjacent
to road.
Between Parua Bay
boat ramp carpark
and hotel.
C
2
Reserve Point
nephelinite flows
and garnet
andesite
E
Only known nephelinite
flow in northern New
Zealand, adjacent to garnet
andesite intrusion rich in
mantle xenoliths.
Up to 4m thick columnar
jointed nephelinite flow lens
with Runangan shallow
water sediment sequence
sitting uncomformably on
greywacke. This sequence is
intruded by garnet
hornblende andesite rich in
unusual mantle xenoliths.
Whangarei Harbour,
coastal rocks and low
cliffs on South side of
Reserve Point, 1 Km
east of tip
B
2
Significance
Brief description
Location
northern New Zealand.
eruption into cold sea water).
30 km NE of
Whangarei.
29
22 March 2016
Map No.
Importance
E
Category
Ocean Beach
autochthonallochthon
contact,
Whangarei
Heads
Feature name
Vulnerability
E
One of the best examples
of algal (rhodolith)
limestones in New
Zealand. Smallest of two
known exposures in the
vicinity.
Probably in-situ blocks of c.
5 m thick late Eocene algal
limestone. Concentrically
banded algal rhodolith
spheres 1-6 cm diameter
throughout, within
distinctively bedded unit.
Several blocks have been
split open along bedding
planes to expose plan views
Blocks cover area of
c. 30 x 20 m, beside
farm track near
junction of three forks
of a small stream, c.
200 m up flat section
of valley from the
coast. Stream valley
mouth is largest and
about midway
between Mangawhati
Pt and where
Takahiwai Rd leaves
coast.
B
1
Taurikura Bay
natural jetty
E
Best natural jetty formed by
a dike in New Zealand.
Two metre wide andesite
dike intruding Northland
Allochthon and forming a
50m long jetty into bay. Fifty
cm wide zone of baked
muddy limestone on either
side.
Foreshore of
Taurikura Bay,
adjacent to Ody Road
junction.
B
1
Te Ruatahi dune
sequence,
Mimiwhangata
E
Occurrence of rich
Holocene terrestrial fossil
faunas in eroding dune
sand.
Dune field containing late
Holocene fossil land snail
assemblages
South end of Te
Ruatahi Beach,
Mimiwhangata.
C
1
Significance
Brief description
Location
Importance
Vulnerability
One of the best preserved
and most easily accessible
areas of karst landforms
and small caves in
Northland.
About 4 hectares of
vegetated karst with
entrances to several caves
on one partly underground
stream, containing
speleothems. Hundreds of
limestone boulders with
fluting and some castellated.
Several 5 m limestone
pinnacles in middle of
bushed reserve. Several sink
holes.
300 m east of Abbey
Caves Road, half way
between Whareora
Road and Old Parua
Bay Road; 2 km east
of Parahaki and 3 km
east of Whangarei.
C
2
Abbey Caves
and karst,
Whangarei
Category
Location
D
&
F
30
22 March 2016
Map No.
Feature name
Brief description
Caves
Category
F
Significance
Map No.
Importance
Takahiwai algal
limestone,
Whangarei
Harbour
Feature name
Vulnerability
Best developed sea
arches, tunnels and caves
in New Zealand. Includes
completely submerged
tunnels, air bubble caves many of which have been
named.
Numerous arches, tunnels
and caves ranging up to
200m long and 50 m wide,
eroded by the sea along
joints in silicified rhyolite
breccia. Located at present
sea level, depths up to 30-40
m below present and uplifted
to heights up to 80 m above
present. On and through
Tawhiti Rahi, Aorangi,
Aorangaia and Archway
islands. Tawhiti Rahi itself
contains uplifted sea cave
c.60 m asl (dimensions 12 m
deep, 8 m wide, 5 m high).
Around the coast of
the Poor Knights
Islands e.g. Rikoriko
Cave; Maomao Arch;
Cathedral Arch.
B
3
*Two Tone
Cave, Waipu
F
One of the longest caves in
Northland with numerous
branches.
Horizontal stream cave
about 3 km long. In places
the cave floor is on
greywacke
Caves Road, Waipu.
C
3
*Waipu Caves
and karst
D
&
F
Best and largest area of
limestone karst
geomorphology in
Northland, south of
Whangarei. Includes
largest cave passage in
Northland. Fossil bone
deposits in Paryphanta
Passage.
Fluted boulders and
sinkholes in Oligocene
limestone at Waipu Caves
reserve, Waipu Caves
Walkway and along
roadside. Best examples are
north of Waipu Caves Road.
About 3 km horizontal
stream cave. Includes both
Waipu Cave and Elver
Canyon Cave.
North of Waipu Caves
Road, Waipu.
C
2
Waipu Cove
OligoceneMiocene
sequence and
coastal karst
D
&
F
Only significant coastal
karst and karstic sea cave
in Northland. Exposes
clear stratigraphic
sedimentary relationship
between Waitemata flysch,
Te Kuiti Group limestone
and basement.
Oligocene shallow water,
flaggy, bioclastic, sandy
limestone unconformably sits
on Waipapa greywacke and
passes abruptly and
conformably up into deep
water early Miocene
Waitemata flysch. Outcrops
and large fallen boulders
developing solution runnels.
One solution cave with
speleothems around point
from western end of Langs
Beach (Q08 / 484 723).
Coastal section from
500 m SE of Waipu
Cove to point at
western end of Langs
Beach.
C
2
Significance
Brief description
Location
*Note: Abbey Caves, Waipu Cave and Waipu Cove cave records are duplicated under Category F for
ease of reference.
31
22 March 2016
Map No.
Importance
F
Category
Poor Knights
sea arches and
caves
Feature name